Getting to know Jesse Matthews

When and why did you start making art?

I can't remember a time when I wasn't creating art, I used to choreograph dances to Nina Simone and Judy Garland and force my poor parents to watch.

What is a fun fact about you people may not know?

I have two, one I'm ashamed to admit, is that I can't whistle and the second is I'm a qualified gin expert and historian.

What is your favorite work of art?

That's like asking a parent to name their favourite child. I'm hugely influenced by classical amd impressionist sculpture, the work of Michelangelo and rodin. I think their composition and the dimensional negative space is so beautiful.

What is one of your favorite pieces of music to play/sing/dance to?

Oh gosh, there's so many. I love bawdy musical theatre numbers like Le Jazz Hot and One from A Chorus Line but I am also inspired by religious choral music, I think there's a spiritual aspect of dance that pairs seamlessly with those haunting melodies.

Jesse will choreograph and dance in Tides, playing 3-5 June at Abbotsford Convent.